UN warns Chevron over methane plumes at WA gas plant

Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 23 Oct, 06:08 · Archive

The UN has warned Chevron over repeated methane plumes detected at its Gorgon liquefied natural gas plant off Western Australia's coast.

Satellites have detected large methane plumes at Chevron's Gorgon liquefied natural gas plant on Barrow Island, off Western Australia's Pilbara coast, triggering a warning from the UN Environment Program. The detections occurred on five consecutive flyovers from November to August, with one latest expulsion equivalent to burning 110 tonnes of coal.

The UN agency uses 30 satellites operated by the non-profit Carbon Mapper to detect methane. One detection recorded an average emission rate of about 7.8 tonnes of methane an hour, equivalent to greenhouse gas emissions from a petrol-powered car driven 895,000 kilometres, according to a US Environmental Protection Agency online tool. Methane is about 80 times worse for global warming than carbon dioxide over a 20-year span and accounts for about 25 per cent of global warming, according to UN figures.

Chevron said satellite observations capture a single moment in time and have 'a wide range of uncertainty'. The company stated it uses satellite data alongside aerial surveys, operating data and on-site checks to manage methane emissions, and that its facilities are 'designed, operated and maintained to manage methane emissions'. Chevron is seeking further clarification on the satellite data and reports emissions in line with Australian regulatory requirements.

The Western Australian Department of Water and Environmental Regulation said it is aware of the reports and investigating what compliance or regulatory measures may be required.

How it is being reported

• Greenhouse gas plume at massive Aussie gas plantSatellite monitoring has detected a massive methane cloud coming from one of the world's largest oil and gas complexes in Western Australia.Perth Now · 23 Oct, 06:23
• UN warns Chevron over repeat methane plumes detected at WA gas facilityOne of Australia’s largest oil and gas processing plants has been hit with a methane emissions warning.Perth Now · 23 Oct, 05:38
• UN warns Chevron over repeat methane plumes detected at WA gas facilityOne of Australia’s largest oil and gas processing plants has been hit with a methane emissions warning by the UN.The West Australian · 23 Oct, 05:38
• Greenhouse gas plume at massive Aussie gas plantSatellite monitoring has detected a massive methane cloud coming from one of the world's largest oil and gas complexes in Western Australia.The West Australian · 23 Oct, 05:07

In this story: Chevron · Gorgon · UN Environment Program · Western Australia · Barrow Island · Carbon Mapper

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